In the backdrop of unabated farmer suicides in the state, the BJP today urged Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to relieve Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Minister Pradeep Maharathy from his post.

“Why ministers are not meeting family members of farmers who have committed suicide? Why they are blaming the District Collector? Again why is the District Collector shifting it to the Tehsildar or the Assistant Agriculture Officer? They are even blaming family members of the deceased farmer,” alleged BJP spokesperson Sajjan Sharma addressing a press conference here.

“One who is unable to take up his responsibilities why should he be a burden on the people of Odisha? Chief Minister should act immediately and relieve him from his responsibility,” urged Sharma.